There are lots of specific kinds of social situations that might be considered “commons dilemmas” or “public goods dilemmas” or, more broadly, “social dilemmas.” Our readings in our applied social psychology class (particularly the articles by Hardin and by Van Vugt) highlighted some such situations.

Can you think of any other situations?
Are there particular social problems (or potential social problems) that you can think of that might fit the description of a social dilemma?
Can you identify one or more of these situations?
IT would be great if you could articulate exactly how each situation does indeed fit the description of a commons dilemma or a public goods dilemma and discuss how the dilemma might smartly be managed to avert disaster.

Readings mentioned:
Hardin, G. (1968). The tragedy of the commons. Science, 162, 1243-1248.
Van Vugt, M. (1998). The conflicts in modern society. The Psychologist. June 1998 (pp. 289-292).

Thank you for your help.